The struggle for the throne among nine princes—I really don't want to be the crown prince.

Chapter 103 Having too many sons means having too much debt

Depose the crown prince?
Shen Ye finally heard those words!

However, Emperor Qianxi's words were merely a rhetorical question. From Emperor Qianxi's tone, Shen Ye felt that Emperor Qianxi did not intend to depose him.

Faced with Emperor Qianxi's question, Shen Ye wanted to say, "You're going to be deposed sooner or later, so you might as well depose him now!"
As long as you agree to let me build my own palace, and then let me build a garden next to Changchun Garden, we can talk about anything.

Now, we're surrounded by hidden arrows and cold winds; it's easy to defend against open attacks, but hard to dodge hidden ones...

Unfortunately, although he thought this way, he really didn't dare to say it!

Emperor Qianxi had a temper that was somewhat like a mule that could be easily pushed along. If you went against him, he might actually drive you to the Beekeeping Alley.

If someone like the thirteenth prince stayed there for ten years or so, that would be disgusting.

What's more, his beautiful wives and concubines haven't even arrived yet, and his happy life hasn't even begun. If this cheap old man were to turn his back on him and refuse him entry into the palace, who would he complain to?

Therefore, Shen Ye could only suppress this thought in his heart.

He then adopted an honest demeanor and said, "Father, I never imagined you would depose me."

"After all, you are a wise ruler, and your son is your dutiful son."

"How could you bear to ruin a filial son?"

When Emperor Qianxi heard this reason, he almost laughed out of anger!
I have nearly twenty sons, how come you are the most filial?
This title you bestowed upon yourself; I have not recognized it.

Just as he was about to give Shen Ye a warning, Shen Ye continued, "Besides, Father Emperor can't cripple me for the sake of us brothers!"

“I was made crown prince by my father when I was young. Even if my brothers had some ulterior motives, they didn’t dare to show it. They were all very respectful and loving towards each other.”

"But if you depose me, Father, that would be a huge problem!"

"Although my eldest brother is a bit simple-minded, he is also exceptionally brave and heroic."

"Although the third brother is a bit stingy, he is also skilled in both literature and martial arts."

"The fourth son is a bit narrow-minded, but he is skilled in government affairs and his abilities are obvious to all."

"And then there's the fifth brother and the eighth brother. Each of them is a rare talent."

"Not to mention the younger brothers behind him, who have all been trained by Father to be outstanding individuals."

Upon hearing Shen Ye's words, Emperor Qianxi's expression immediately turned serious.

Although he harbored a sense of apprehension towards the Crown Prince, he never actually considered deposing him.

His plan was to gradually suppress the Crown Prince's power so that he wouldn't become the retired emperor prematurely.

Now that the Crown Prince's analysis was so logical, a sense of fear began to rise in his heart.

Yes, it's fear.

None of his sons are easy to deal with.

Currently, the only one challenging the Crown Prince is the First Prince.

But if the crown prince is really deposed, will the others really be at ease?
Third brother, fourth brother, eighth brother!

And then there are the ninth and tenth brothers!

Perhaps the fifth brother will also get involved.

The thought of his sons fighting amongst themselves was enough to give Emperor Qianxi a headache.

Shen Ye continued, "Father, if everyone competes openly, it's not a big deal."

"But once things get really heated, they might do something they shouldn't."

"When the time comes, the winner will succeed to the throne, and the brothers who lost will have a hard time."

"Only I, having been the crown prince for many years, am not afraid of them causing trouble even if I know they have ideas."

"In this way, they can all enjoy wealth and comfort in the future."

"So you'd better not have any thoughts about deposing the crown prince, otherwise you'll have a lot of headaches to deal with in the future!"

"Having too many sons is a debt!"

After saying these words, Shen Ye felt a sense of relief.

If Shen Ye's initial explanation was a survival instinct, then what he just said was an uncontrollable outburst directed at Emperor Qianxi.

He had been keeping these words bottled up inside for some time, and now he just blurted them out. Emperor Qianxi's expression turned somewhat cold.

However, he had to admit that what Shen Ye said was actually very reasonable.

After all, you know your own son best.

If these sons really start fighting, who knows what will happen in the future!

If he were to tarnish his reputation in his later years, then...

Seeing Emperor Qianxi's ever-changing expression, Shen Ye couldn't help but feel a little guilty.

I just blurted out some of my usual complaints.

But this also seems to be the truth.

"Hmph, flattery and sophistry." Emperor Qianxi's expression finally returned to normal.

He glared at Shen Ye, then said coldly, "Don't give me that nonsense again."

“I haven’t even punished you for misappropriating 100,000 taels of silver, and you’ve given me this huge amount.”

"If you keep talking nonsense, that beauty can forget about entering the palace."

Although Emperor Qianxi was reprimanding him, Shen Ye felt that Emperor Qianxi should have taken his words to heart.

Is this considered an unexpected surprise?
"I can pretend that your decision to have Zhao Yongyan allocate 100,000 taels of silver without authorization never happened."

"But you also have to do something for me."

At this moment, Emperor Qianxi had completely regained his composure and taken back control of the situation.

Seeing that Emperor Qianxi no longer brought up the topic of deposing the crown prince, Shen Ye also obediently stopped talking about it.

He didn't know how much effect his words would have, but he felt that most of the frustration in his heart had disappeared.

Anyway, I just said what I really wanted to say.

"Please give your orders, Father Emperor," Shen Ye said solemnly to Emperor Qianxi.

Emperor Qianxi glanced at Shen Ye and said, "This time, the Yellow River breach was mainly due to natural disasters."

"Jin Fu's efforts in managing the Yellow River during this period have been very effective."

"I think if he continues his efforts, the floods will definitely be reduced significantly."

"But over the years, he has offended many ministers in the River Works Department because of his tough approach."

“Normally, I can protect him.”

"But now that he has caused such a big mess, if I don't punish him, I will have a hard time explaining to my ministers."

Bao Jinfu!
Shen Ye's eyes widened in surprise.

You can't even protect something yourself, and you're asking me to do it? Are you out of your mind?

"Therefore, you need to find a way to protect Jin Fu."

"Even if it's to atone for his crimes, he must remain in the position of Governor-General of the River Works."

Upon hearing this request, Shen Ye had an idea: to say, "Your subject cannot do it!"
After all, that's a bit too much to ask of people.

"If it were me..."

"If you can't do it, then let Zhao Yongyan accompany Jin Fu. Their matter is about the same." Emperor Qianxi had now completely regained his composure.

Looking at Emperor Qianxi, who seemed to be saying "If you can't do it, I'll kill you," Shen Ye was completely speechless.

He could only say, "Your subject will give it a try."

Emperor Qianxi waved his hand and said, "Alright, you may leave."

"Also, remember this: don't let your mind wander into wild thoughts in the future."

"Right now, your most important task is to do your own thing well!"

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(End of this chapter)